Sunday, April 20th, 2014

This year’s crop of outside linebackers offers exactly what the NFL wants: Versatile edge defenders who can be moved around and contribute in a variety of roles within a multi-front defensive scheme. The value is diminishing for prospects that lack versatility.

Talent should be found throughout at the position, but the sweet spot is in the second to fourth rounds, where I have 12 players graded.

Saturday, April 12th, 2014

I don’t recall a draft with more mixed opinions, projections and grades than this year’s, which should make for an exciting draft in May that is full of unpredictability. With one of the deepest draft classes I have evaluated, there is talent to be had in every round and ample opportunity for teams to fill holes and acquire talent.

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

As the name would suggest, Pro Football Focus’ “3 For 3” mock draft series is to consist of three projections, each three rounds, of the 2014 NFL draft. In a more accurate and realistic simulation than one person writing a mock draft on his own, the selections are made by 32 football writers, one representing each team, who select each of their respective team’s picks in the first three rounds.

I have the privilege of selecting for the Bills in each of the three mocks, the first of which was held over the past week following this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. Personally, I came away thrilled with all three of my selections for Buffalo, as I feel as though I got terrific value on all of them, but I’ll have to let you the reader be the judge.

Monday, February 24th, 2014

Monday’s on-field portion of the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine featured the draft’s best defensive line and linebacker prospects as the depth of the draft continued to prove itself in workouts. While no prospect was able to officially record a sub-4.5 second 40-yard dash, there was plenty of speed and athleticism on display alongside a few disappointments.

Sunday, February 2nd, 2014

The National Football League is officially in its 2014 offseason, meaning that the entire league (well, maybe not quite yet for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks) is shifting its attention to how it can make its team better for next season.

While free agency and possibly trades will be an important step, there is no bigger opportunity to improve a roster than the annual NFL draft, which will be held May 8-10 this year. The Buffalo Bills, by virtue of their 6-10 record, hold the No. 9 overall selection in the first round of this year’s draft.

A top-10 pick is always a valuable commodity, and the Buffalo Bills sit in a good position. The Bills should have the opportunity to draft a very good talent who provides an immediate upgrade at that slot, and although they have some needs, they have a roster well-rounded enough to have the flexibility to draft for the best player rather than the biggest roster hole.

We won’t know for sure who will be available at the No. 9 overall pick until the No. 8 overall pick has been announced on May 8, but there will be no shortage of speculation around the pick nonetheless. The Bills should be able to come up with nine worthy candidates to be their first-round pick; the following nine options (plus one, see end of page 2) might be their best.